The first same-sex couples were united in marriage with the blessing of the state Supreme Court. And Gov. Chris Christie has withdrawn another legal challenge before the high court, clearing the way down the aisle for gay brides and grooms.

The governor also reversed his position on tuition equality for the sons and daughters of undocumented immigrants. He now supports charging them the same in-state college tuition rate as other students living in New Jersey.

Under the current system, children brought to the U.S. illegally are permitted to attend the state’s public schools through 12th grade. But students without proof of citizenship must pay out-of-state tuition at New Jersey’s public colleges.

That’s a very big difference. At Rutgers University, for example, in-state undergraduates pay $13,499 a year in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay $27,523.

Since many children brought to the country illegally live in low-income households, a college education remains beyond the reach of young immigrants yearning to be part of the American Dream.

It’s not just a personal disappointment. At the completion of 12th grade, the state has invested more than $200,000 in each child. Quite practically, if New Jersey is to recoup that investment, it should encourage all children to achieve the education that will allow them to reach their highest earning — and tax-paying — potential.

The policy doesn’t guarantee acceptance at state colleges – just that those students who do make the grade will be eligible for the same rate as their high school classmates. To qualify for the discounted rate, students must prove that they’ve applied for citizenship.

During a campaign debate with Democratic challenger state Sen. Barbara Buono last week, Christie said the state now can afford to offer the tuition break – and encouraged lawmakers to “talk about how we could responsibly fund tuition equality.”

That should hearten the Assembly, where leaders put the legislation on hold presumably due to Election Day jitters and other political considerations.

Political calculations seem to be going on all around – Christie’s nod to the Latino community appears part of his presidential plan while leading Democrats waited to vote on the measure as lame ducks rather than sitting ducks.

“Sometimes politics overtakes what our democratic values are — that’s just the way it is,” said bill sponsor Assemblyman Gordon Johnson (D-Bergen) in June when the legislation stalled.

After the Nov. 5 election, lawmakers should have the votes along with the governor’s support. With the political stars in alignment, but we’re hoping this measure finally sees the light of day.